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KDWP FISH INFORMATION NIGHTS PREPARE ANGLERS FOR SPRING

Fishing prospects, techniques, and locations revealed to anglers who attendPRATT -- To learn how to catch more fish, attend one of several events hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) in late February. Called Fishing Information Nights, the events will feature experts on fishing and focus on fishing prospects, techniques, and locations. The events will also have presentations on how anglers can best manage their time on the water.

The first event will take place on Feb. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Fort Hays State University Memorial Union's Black and Gold Room in Hays. Introductory speakers include Steve Price, KDWP Region 1 fisheries supervisor, and Lynn Maska of the Department of Health & Human Performance at Ft. Hays State. District fisheries biologists Tommie Berger and Scott Waters will follow with updates on Wilson and Glen Elder reservoirs, respectively. Chad Richardson, angling guide and Professional Walleye Tour professional, will offer tips on how better time management can help anglers catch more fish.

This will be followed by detailed fishing forecasts for Cedar Bluff, Webster, Kirwin, and Sebelius reservoirs conducted by district fisheries biologists Dave Spalsbury and Mark Shaw.

Another Feb. 24 event will be held at the Emporia Best Western Hospitality House, 3021 W. Hwy. 50 in Emporia from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include a demonstration on how to clean and cook rough fish such as carp and buffalo. KDWP information specialist Marc Murrell will then give tips and techniques for catching walleye. Local KDWP fisheries biologists Carson Cox (Lyon State Fishing Lake, Toronto and Fall River reservoirs), Leonard Jirak (Osage State Fishing Lake, Coffey County Lake, Melvern and John Redmond reservoirs), Craig Johnson (Chase State Fishing Lake, El Dorado and Council Grove reservoirs) will give short overviews of area fisheries and best bets for spring and summer angling. Jon Stein, fisheries biologist for Marion and Cheney reservoirs, will also be present.

On Feb. 25, a Fishing Information night will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium, 6232 E. 29th St. North (29th N. & Woodlawn) in Wichita. Murrell will start the program with walleye catching tips. Local KDWP fisheries biologist Jessica Mounts (Harvey County lakes, Wellington City Lake, Lake Afton, and all Wichita metro lakes) and Craig Johnson (El Dorado Reservoir and Butler, Cowley, and Chase state fishing lakes) will then give review prospects for spring and summer fishing at the lakes they manage. Stein will also be on hand to cover Cheney and Marion reservoirs, as well as Kingman and McPherson state fishing lakes.

On Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a Fishing Information Night will be held in the Little Theatre at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center, East Iron Avenue, in Salina. Introductory remarks by Price will be followed by fishing forecasts for Kanopolis, Glen Elder, Lovewell, and Wilson reservoirs from Berger and Waters. Richardson will repeat his time-management presentation, followed by a fishing forecast for Milford Reservoir by fisheries biologist John Reinke.

Biologists will take questions from the audience at all events, which are developed by KDWP regional staff. All are free. For more information on the Hays and Salina events, phone 785-628-8614. For information on the Emporia and Wichita events, phone 316-683-8069.-30-